[Y Stories] Dick Thies & Bob Lauchner: "Difference Makers"

Former Y Student Board Presidents Dick Theis and Bob Lauchner recall one of the YMCA's earliest engagements for racial equality in the 1950s.  At a time when barbershops were segregated in Champaign-Urbana, the Racial Equality Committee of the YMCA Student Board set up an integrated barbershop, wanting everyone to feel welcome and safe.  For 140 years, the Y has been a place for students to take up issues that they care about and make an impact in their communities.  Watch the video.

[Y Stories] is a part of the YMCA's celebration of 140 years of engaging people in service, reflection, and action.  Since 1873, the University YMCA has sponsored programs, organizations, and activities dedicated to building a better world, better human relations, and better care for the Earth.  

As part of this celebration, we would like to acknowledge stories of University YMCA alumni and friends in order to commemorate our lasting legacy. We would love to hear your Y story, because we believe that the power of storytelling is when people say "me too."  

Watch other videos from our friends and Y alumni:

• Diane Marlin: "The Battle to Save the Park"
• Ellen Dahlke: "A Place Where I Could"
• Miss V: "Home Away From Home"
• Mara Eisenstein & Cassie Carroll: "Greening Green Street"
• Lauren Haynes: "Never Stop Serving"
• Tom Seals: "For A Better Tradition"
• Anthony Santarelli: "A Place of Service, Reflection, & Action"
• Dick Thies and Bob Lauchner: "Difference Makers"